How Frequent Are Kilauea Volcano Eruptions in Hawaii?
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Since its first well-documented eruption in 1823, it has been erupting frequently. On average, Kilauea experiences eruptions every few years, but this can vary greatly, with multiple eruptions occurring within a single year. For instance, the most significant recent eruptions took place in 2018 and 2020; the 2018 event was particularly destructive, causing major lava flows and significant changes to the landscape. The volcano’s activity also includes ongoing eruptions from the Halemaumau crater, which continued into 2023.
Volcanic Activity and Eruption Patterns
A Continuous Eruption Since 1984: Kilauea has been erupting off-and-on almost continuously since around 1984. Currently, it is erupting from the Halemaumau crater, one of the craters along Kilauea’s rift zones. Other active volcanoes in Hawaii include Mauna Loa and Hualālai on the Big Island and Haleakalā on Maui. Mauna Loa recently had a small eruption, while Hualālai last erupted in 1801–02 and Haleakalā in the 1500–1600 timeframe.
Recent Eruption from Halemaumau Crater: The latest eruption at Halemaumau crater occurred on December 20, 2022. This eruption posed little risk to the public, as it was located far from residential areas. However, similar eruptions in the past have been hazardous, as lava flows have sometimes ventured through residential areas towards the ocean. This poses a significant risk to public safety, as people gather to witness the spectacle, often getting too close and inhaling noxious gases.
Kilauea’s Eruption History and Future
Kilauea has erupted about 34 times since 1952, with an eruption beginning in 1983 that continued until 2018. This long-term activity showcases the volcano's unpredictability and the need for continuous monitoring by scientists and emergency management teams.
The Future of Kilauea: The other volcanoes in Hawaii—Mauna Kea, considered dormant, last erupted about 4,500 years ago, and could theoretically become active again. Meanwhile, Mauna Loa and Hualālai are considered active, but with less frequent activity compared to Kilauea. Haleakalā is extinct and will not erupt again. The unpredictability of volcanic eruptions makes studying and understanding these natural phenomena crucial for both scientific advancement and public safety.
Conclusion
With eruptions occurring almost continuously since 1984, Kilauea is a prime example of a highly active volcano. Its eruptive patterns are complex and vary from periods of intense activity to quieter phases. Understanding the historical and ongoing patterns of Kilauea’s eruptions is essential for managing risks to public safety and advancing our knowledge of volcanic behavior. For anyone interested in the natural wonders of Hawaii, monitoring Kilauea’s activity is both fascinating and important.